viewpoints
>> Send letters to: letters@thejewishnews.com
NC J
ational Council of Jewish Women
guest column
Greater Detroit Section
Standing With Israel Especially Crucial Now
E
arlier this month, more than 1,100
members of the Michigan commu-
nity came together in Southfield
for the Friends of the Israel Defense
Forces (FIDF) Michigan Gala Dinner to
honor the brave men and women of the
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) at a crucial
time for Israel — when Israeli citizens
are being attacked every day.
As a committed
Jew and staunch sup-
porter of Israel, I first
became involved with
FIDF when I was
approached by FIDF
Michigan Chairman
Alon Kaufman. Happy
to give my support,
Gary Shiffman
I became more and
more involved — and
now I've been a board member and
president of FIDF's Michigan chapter for
almost 20 years.
This year's record turnout was, by
far, the largest I've seen with more than
$1.5 million raised for well-being and
educational programs for Israeli soldiers.
Impressive to say the least, for a state
where less than 1 percent of the popula-
tion is Jewish.
Although relatively small compared
to those in other major cities, the Metro
Detroit Jewish community is particu-
larly engaged and committed to its local
community and to the idea that it is
responsible for supporting the Jewish
homeland. This support and strong
ties were evident as we gathered at the
annual FIDF dinner at a time when
important policy decisions with serious
implications for Israel are being made in
the U.S. and abroad.
At this tumultuous time, with upcom-
ing elections at home in the U.S., major
upheavals across the Middle East (whose
effects once thought to be rippling are
now being felt directly in Paris and
other cities worldwide, which were once
thought to be insulated), it is incumbent
on each of us to make sure our voices are
heard — and we did just that on Nov. 3.
Our voices joined together to send one
clear and powerful message at the FIDF
gala: The Michigan Jewish community
Celebrating 125 Years of Social Change in Michigan
stands with Israel and her soldiers, now
more than ever.
"The FIDF Michigan Gala Dinner
warmed our souls, tugged at our
heartstrings, brought tears to our eyes
and lit a fire under our feet:' my good
friends, FIDF supporters Nanci and
David Farber, told me. "We invited some
Christian friends to join us and they
were so moved that they made a dona-
tion and thanked us for giving them the
opportunity to be a part of such a won-
derful evening:'
Joan Epstein, who contributes to the
FIDF IMPACT! Scholarship Program,
which provides college tuition assistance
to Israeli combat veterans from disad-
vantaged socio-economic backgrounds,
told me, "I was so touched by the sol-
diers' speeches and how proud they were
to be serving in the military ... and I
was equally moved by the outpouring of
support from the Jewish community:'
For me, one of the most powerful
moments was hearing from wounded
Israeli war hero Capt. Ziv Shilon, a
platoon commander in the IDF's Givati
continued on page 8
and community for their
years. As we celebrate
Israel Helps Shape Climate Change Debate
A
We thank our members
support for the past 124
editorial
t the U.N. climate change
conference outside Paris, the
Palestinian Authority claimed
Israeli "ecological attacks" have hindered
its "great progress" in adopting climate
change laws — conveniently ignoring
that Israel leads the Global Cleantech
Innovation Index.
Tiny Israel is a relatively small con-
tributor to climate change. Still, its geo-
graphic location makes it highly sensitive
to the effects of such change. Its innova-
tive spirit gives it global stature.
The Jerusalem Post correctly pointed to
a correlation between climate change and
violent conflict. In a Nov. 30 editorial, it
noted the Syrian civil war erupted amid
the worst drought in Syria's recent his-
tory. Also, Smithsonian.com reports Syria
and Iraq have accused Turkey of hoard-
ing water for hydroelectric purposes.
Israel has excelled at dealing with
drought and limited freshwater. But its
success at generating potable water via
desalination has increased energy burn
and carbon emissions.
The P.A. governs the West Bank's
Palestinian-controlled areas. President
NCJW/Greater Detroit
Board of Directors
wishes that the lights
of Chanukah shine
brigittbj an you
andyour family.
Mahmoud Abbas cited the "continued
Israeli occupation and violation of inter-
national laws related to the environment"
as P.A. impediments to implementing cli-
mate change standards. But he offered no
hard evidence of Israel-caused damage to
P.A. resources.
The Global Cleantech Innovation
Index, produced by the San Francisco-
based Cleantech Group, ranks countries
where entrepreneurial clean technology
companies are most likely to emerge
over the next 10 years — and why. It isn't
about to honor environmental subter-
fuge.
At the climate summit, Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu cited Israeli innova-
tions in environmental technology and
advances in solar, agricultural and irriga-
tion technology. He tied Israel's stand-
ing as a top water recycler to the desert
nation's innovative water and drip irriga-
tion techniques.
He chose the summit to kvell over
an Israeli initiative intended to curtail
global dependence on crude oil, notably
in transportation. The impetus banks on
Israel becoming a global leader in identi-
our 125th Anniversary
fying fuel alternatives.
Israel has pledged to substantially cut
per-capita greenhouse gas emissions by
2030 via extensive "green" improvements.
To the extent possible, the Jewish state
ultimately will have to step up resource
sharing and cooperative efforts with its
Palestinian neighbors. So goes the region,
so goes Israel, environmentally speaking.
According to the Cleantech Index,
Israel "has demonstrated the great-
est density of high-impact, clean-tech
startups as well as a high level of busi-
ness sophistication and entrepreneurial
attitudes, strong venture capital activity
and a good number of environmental
patents:'
The Index applauded Israel for increas-
ing "its supportive government policies"
even "while clean-tech company revenues
remain low:'
"The country has seen an impressive
number of clean-tech companies voted
into the Global Cleantech 100 Index per
GDP [Gross Domestic Product] over the
past two years:' the Index observed.
That's quite a rosy picture the P.A.
president chose to discredit. *
in 2016, please consider
NOW/Greater Detroit
for your charitable
contribution. Your
support has helped
make a difference
in our community.
Support the work of NCJW/Greater Detroit.
Visit our website or give us a call.
MISSION:
The National Council of Jewish Women
(NCJW) is a grassroots organization
of volunteers and advocates who turn
progressive ideals into action. Inspired
by Jewish values, NCJW strives for
social justice by improving the quality
of life for women, children and families
and by safeguarding individual rights
and freedoms.
26400 Lahser Road, Suite 306
Southfield MI 48033
248-355-3300
www.ncjwgds.org
JN
December 10.2015
5